Report No. GN 98-13 GENERAL ACTION December 17, 1998
FCC STREAMLINES EQUIPMENT APPROVAL PROCEDURES TO INCREASE
SPEED TO MARKET AND REDUCE BARRIERS TO INTERNATIONAL TRADE
(GEN. DOCKET 98-68)
As part of its biennial review of its rules and processes, the FCC has modified its authorization
rules for devices that emit radio frequency energy and for terminal equipment that may be attached
to the telecommunications network. These modifications are intended to improve the efficiency of
the equipment approval process so that communications equipment may be introduced more rapidly.
Specifically, the FCC amended its rules to:
1) further streamline the equipment authorization process by allowing accredited private
parties in the United States designated by the FCC to certify that equipment;
2) implement Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) that would allow the designation of
parties in foreign countries to approve equipment as conforming to the United States' technical
requirements; and
3) make provision for the interim approval of Global Mobile Personal Communications by
Satellite (GMPCS) mobile terminals.
The Commission noted that certain equipment that uses radio frequencies or is connected to
the public switched telecommunications network (PSTN) must be approved by the FCC before it can
be marketed. Allowing parties other than the FCC to certify that equipment complies with our rules
will provide manufacturers with alternatives where they could possibly obtain certification faster than
from the FCC. Manufacturers also will have the option of obtaining certification from a facility in
a more convenient location. Because the number of applications filed with the FCC will likely
decrease as a result of its action today, the Commission will redirect resources to enforcement of its
rules. Finally, allowing private entities in the U.S. to certify that equipment meets the FCC's rules
would parallel the FCC's obligations under the MRAs to allow equipment to be certified by parties
located in other countries.
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The United States has entered into agreements with the European Community (EC) and the
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). MRAs provide numerous benefits for the United
States. Under an MRA, products can be tested and certified in the United States to the technical
requirements of other countries. The products may then be shipped directly to those countries
without the need to obtain an approval there. In return, the MRAs obligate the United States to
permit parties in other countries to test and authorize equipment based on the United States' technical
requirements. MRAs thereby ensure market access and promote competition in the provision of
telecommunications products and electronic equipment. Further, the MRAs serve to reduce the
burden and delays of testing and obtaining approval for products marketed in the United States and
other countries.
In February 1997, the United States agreed to a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and
Arrangements to facilitate the roaming of GMPCS mobile terminals worldwide without confiscation,
tariffs or taxation.
The Commission will soon begin consideration of full implementation of the GMPCS MOU
and Arrangements. However, adoption of this interim certification procedure will enable planned
GMPCS systems and those currently in operation to obtain an FCC identifier in order to facilitate the
global circulation of GMPCS terminals and allow GMPCS users to obtain seamless GMPCS service
in all parts of the world.
Action by the Commission December 17, 1998, by Report and Order (FCC 98-xxx). Chairman....
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News Media contact: Audrey Spivack at (202) 418-0500
Office of Engineering and Technology contact: Hugh L. Van Tuyl, (202) 418-7506
Common Carrier Bureau contact: Vincent M. Paladini, (202) 418-2332
International Bureau contact: Tracey Weisler, (202) 418-0744
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